A touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate layer, sensing electrodes arranged on a top surface of the substrate layer, the sensing electrodes having boundaries in which a plurality of convex portions are connected, and a dummy electrode disposed between the sensing electrodes, the dummy electrode having a boundary in which a plurality of convex portions are connected. The sensing electrodes include a first sensing electrode arranged in a column direction and a second sensing electrode arranged in a row direction. A convex portion in a region where the first sensing electrode, the second sensing electrode and the dummy electrode are adjacent to each other has a radius of curvature less than that of a convex portion in other regions.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A touch sensor, comprising: a substrate layer; sensing electrodes arranged on a top surface of the substrate layer, the sensing electrodes having boundaries in which a plurality of convex portions are connected; and a dummy electrode disposed between the sensing electrodes, the dummy electrode having a boundary in which a plurality of convex portions are connected, wherein the sensing electrodes comprise a first sensing electrode arranged in a column direction and a second sensing electrode arranged in a row direction; and a convex portion in a region where the first sensing electrode, the second sensing electrode and the dummy electrode are adjacent to each other has a radius of curvature less than that of a convex portion in a region where only two of the first sensing electrode, the second sensing electrode and the dummy electrode are adjacent to each other, wherein the dummy electrode comprises a first dummy electrode disposed between the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode neighboring each other, and a second dummy electrode surrounded by four sensing electrodes of the sensing electrodes.
2. The touch sensor according to claim 1 , further comprising a first separation region spacing the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode from each other, a second separation region spacing the first sensing electrode and the dummy electrode from each other, and a third separation region spacing the second sensing electrode and the dummy electrode from each other.
A touch sensor system includes a substrate with a first sensing electrode, a second sensing electrode, and a dummy electrode. The electrodes are arranged to detect touch inputs by measuring changes in capacitance. The first and second sensing electrodes are used for touch detection, while the dummy electrode reduces interference and improves signal accuracy. The system further includes three separation regions: a first separation region between the first and second sensing electrodes to prevent direct electrical coupling, a second separation region between the first sensing electrode and the dummy electrode to isolate their functions, and a third separation region between the second sensing electrode and the dummy electrode to ensure independent operation. These separation regions prevent unintended capacitance effects, improving touch sensitivity and reducing noise. The dummy electrode may be grounded or biased to further enhance performance. The design ensures reliable touch detection by maintaining distinct electrical boundaries between the functional components. This configuration is particularly useful in capacitive touchscreens, where precise touch localization and noise reduction are critical. The separation regions can be implemented as insulating gaps or dielectric layers to maintain electrical isolation while allowing close physical proximity of the electrodes.
3. The touch sensor according to claim 2 , wherein the convex portions comprise: a first convex portion formed in an intersection area of the first separation region, the second separation region and the third separation region; and a second convex portion defined solely by the first separation region, the second separation region or the third separation region.
A touch sensor includes a substrate with a conductive layer patterned into multiple conductive regions separated by non-conductive separation regions. The separation regions form a grid-like structure that defines the conductive regions. The touch sensor includes convex portions in the conductive regions, which are areas where the conductive material protrudes outward. The convex portions include a first convex portion located at the intersection of three separation regions and a second convex portion defined solely by one of the separation regions. The first convex portion is formed where the separation regions meet, creating a triangular or polygonal conductive area. The second convex portion is formed along a single separation region, creating a conductive area that extends outward from the main conductive region. The convex portions enhance touch sensitivity by increasing the surface area of the conductive regions, allowing for more accurate detection of touch inputs. The design ensures that the convex portions are uniformly distributed across the touch sensor, improving overall performance and reliability. The separation regions are non-conductive and electrically isolate the conductive regions, preventing interference between adjacent conductive areas. The touch sensor is used in devices such as smartphones, tablets, and touchscreens to detect touch inputs with high precision.
4. The touch sensor according to claim 3 , wherein the first convex portion has a radius of curvature less than that of the second convex portion.
A touch sensor system includes a flexible substrate with a touch-sensitive surface and a support structure. The support structure has a first convex portion and a second convex portion, where the first convex portion has a smaller radius of curvature than the second convex portion. The support structure is designed to provide mechanical flexibility while maintaining structural integrity, allowing the touch sensor to bend or deform without damage. The first convex portion, with its tighter curvature, may enhance localized flexibility or tactile feedback, while the second convex portion, with a larger radius, provides broader support. The touch sensor may be used in flexible electronic devices, such as foldable displays or wearable technology, where durability and responsiveness are critical. The design ensures that the sensor can withstand repeated bending cycles while maintaining accurate touch detection. The support structure may be integrated with conductive traces or electrodes to enable touch sensing functionality. The differing curvatures of the convex portions optimize both flexibility and rigidity in different areas of the sensor, improving overall performance in dynamic applications.
5. The touch sensor according to claim 4 , wherein the radius of curvature of the first convex portion is less than 0.05.
A touch sensor system includes a flexible substrate with a touch-sensitive surface and a support structure. The support structure has a first convex portion and a second convex portion, each with a specific radius of curvature. The first convex portion has a radius of curvature less than 0.05, allowing the touch sensor to conform to curved surfaces while maintaining sensitivity. The second convex portion has a radius of curvature greater than 0.05, providing structural support. The touch sensor is designed to detect touch inputs on curved or irregular surfaces, addressing the challenge of maintaining accurate touch detection on non-planar surfaces. The flexible substrate ensures adaptability, while the support structure prevents deformation under pressure. The system improves touch responsiveness and durability in devices requiring curved or flexible touch interfaces, such as wearable electronics or curved displays. The specific curvature radii ensure optimal balance between flexibility and structural integrity.
6. The touch sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the second dummy electrode has an X-shape.
A touch sensor system includes a plurality of electrodes arranged in a grid pattern to detect touch inputs. The system comprises a first set of electrodes for transmitting signals and a second set of electrodes for receiving signals, where the electrodes are arranged in a matrix to form a touch-sensitive area. The system also includes at least one dummy electrode positioned between the transmitting and receiving electrodes to reduce interference and improve signal accuracy. The dummy electrode is electrically isolated from the transmitting and receiving electrodes and may have a specific geometric shape to enhance performance. In one configuration, the dummy electrode has an X-shaped design, which optimizes signal shielding and reduces parasitic capacitance, thereby improving touch detection accuracy and reducing false inputs. The X-shaped dummy electrode is positioned between the transmitting and receiving electrodes to block cross-talk and ensure reliable signal transmission. This design is particularly useful in high-resolution touch sensors where minimizing interference is critical for accurate touch detection. The X-shape allows for efficient signal isolation while maintaining a compact electrode layout, making it suitable for applications requiring precise touch sensing in small form factors.
7. The touch sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the boundaries of the sensing electrodes and the dummy electrode have an amorphous wavy shape.
A touch sensor system includes a substrate with multiple sensing electrodes and at least one dummy electrode. The sensing electrodes detect touch inputs by measuring changes in capacitance, while the dummy electrode reduces interference and improves signal accuracy. The boundaries of both the sensing electrodes and the dummy electrode have an amorphous wavy shape, which enhances touch sensitivity and reduces visual artifacts. This design minimizes edge effects and improves uniformity in touch detection across the sensor surface. The wavy boundaries also help in reducing parasitic capacitance, leading to more precise touch localization. The dummy electrode, positioned between the sensing electrodes, further isolates them from external noise sources, ensuring reliable performance in various environmental conditions. The amorphous wavy shape is irregular and non-repetitive, preventing moiré patterns and other visual distortions that could affect display quality when integrated with a touchscreen panel. This configuration is particularly useful in high-resolution touchscreens where both touch accuracy and visual clarity are critical. The overall design improves touch responsiveness while maintaining a seamless visual appearance.
8. The touch sensor according to claim 1 , further comprising a floating electrode formed at an inside of each of the sensing electrodes.
A touch sensor system includes a plurality of sensing electrodes arranged in a matrix configuration to detect touch inputs. The sensing electrodes are configured to generate electrical signals in response to touch interactions, allowing the system to determine touch positions. The system further includes a floating electrode formed inside each of the sensing electrodes. The floating electrode is electrically isolated from the sensing electrode but is capacitively coupled to it. This configuration enhances touch sensitivity and reduces noise interference, improving the accuracy of touch detection. The floating electrode may be positioned centrally within the sensing electrode or offset to optimize signal strength and minimize parasitic effects. The system may also include a controller to process the electrical signals from the sensing electrodes and determine touch coordinates based on the detected signals. The floating electrode design helps maintain consistent performance across different environmental conditions and touch scenarios.
9. The touch sensor according to claim 8 , wherein a boundary of the floating electrode has an amorphous wavy shape.
A touch sensor system includes a floating electrode positioned between a drive electrode and a sense electrode. The floating electrode is electrically isolated from both the drive and sense electrodes but capacitively couples with them. The drive electrode generates an electric field that induces a charge on the floating electrode, which is then detected by the sense electrode. This configuration improves touch sensitivity and reduces interference from external noise. The floating electrode has an amorphous wavy boundary shape, which enhances its capacitive coupling efficiency with the drive and sense electrodes. The wavy shape increases the surface area of interaction, allowing for more precise and reliable touch detection. The system is designed for use in touch-sensitive devices, such as touchscreens or touchpads, where accurate and responsive touch input is required. The amorphous wavy boundary of the floating electrode ensures uniform charge distribution and minimizes signal distortion, leading to improved touch accuracy and responsiveness. The overall design optimizes the capacitive coupling between the electrodes, resulting in a more robust and efficient touch sensing mechanism.
10. The touch sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the boundaries of the sensing electrodes are defined by setting an assembly of imaginary square unit cells that have sides deformed into a wavy shape, and then round-treating regions at which vertices the unit cells are located in a boundary of the assembly.
A touch sensor system includes a plurality of sensing electrodes arranged in a grid pattern. The boundaries of these sensing electrodes are defined by an assembly of imaginary square unit cells, where the sides of these unit cells are deformed into a wavy shape. Additionally, the regions where the vertices of the unit cells meet at the boundary of the assembly are rounded to smooth the edges. This design improves the uniformity and accuracy of touch detection by reducing edge effects and enhancing the electrical field distribution around the sensing electrodes. The wavy deformation of the unit cell sides and the rounding of the boundary vertices help minimize signal interference and improve the overall sensitivity of the touch sensor. The sensor is particularly useful in applications requiring high-resolution touch input, such as touchscreens for mobile devices, tablets, and other electronic displays. The structured yet flexible arrangement of the sensing electrodes ensures reliable performance while maintaining a compact and efficient design.
11. The touch sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the first sensing electrode comprises a plurality of first sensing electrodes and the second sensing electrode comprises a plurality of second sensing electrodes, wherein the touch sensor further comprises: a bridge electrode electrically connecting first sensing electrodes neighboring in the column direction of the plurality of first sensing electrodes; and a connecting portion integrally connecting second sensing electrodes neighboring in the row direction of the plurality of second sensing electrodes.
A touch sensor system includes a plurality of first sensing electrodes and a plurality of second sensing electrodes arranged in a grid pattern. The first sensing electrodes are electrically connected in columns by bridge electrodes, while the second sensing electrodes are integrally connected in rows by connecting portions. This configuration allows for capacitive touch detection by forming a matrix of sensing points where the first and second electrodes intersect. The bridge electrodes ensure electrical continuity between adjacent first sensing electrodes in the column direction, while the connecting portions maintain electrical continuity between adjacent second sensing electrodes in the row direction. This design enables accurate touch position detection by measuring changes in capacitance at the intersections of the electrodes. The system is particularly useful in touch-sensitive displays and input devices, where precise and reliable touch detection is required. The arrangement of electrodes and their interconnections improve signal integrity and reduce interference, enhancing the overall performance of the touch sensor.
12. A window stack structure, comprising: a window substrate; and the touch sensor according to claim 1 stacked on the window substrate.
A window stack structure includes a transparent window substrate and a touch sensor integrated on the substrate. The touch sensor comprises a first conductive layer with a first conductive pattern, a second conductive layer with a second conductive pattern, and an insulating layer between them. The first and second conductive patterns are arranged to form a grid, where the first pattern includes conductive traces extending in a first direction and the second pattern includes conductive traces extending in a second direction, perpendicular to the first. The insulating layer electrically isolates the two conductive layers while allowing capacitive coupling between them. The touch sensor detects touch inputs by measuring changes in capacitance at the intersections of the conductive traces. The window stack structure is designed for use in touch-sensitive displays, such as those in smartphones, tablets, or other electronic devices, where a transparent, responsive touch interface is required. The structure ensures high transparency, durability, and accurate touch detection while maintaining a slim profile. The insulating layer prevents electrical interference between the conductive layers, ensuring reliable performance. This design addresses the need for a compact, high-performance touch sensor that integrates seamlessly with display windows.
13. An image display device, comprising: a display panel; and the touch sensor according to claim 1 stacked on the display panel.
The invention relates to an image display device with an integrated touch sensor. The device includes a display panel and a touch sensor stacked directly on top of the display panel. The touch sensor is designed to detect touch inputs while maintaining high transparency and minimal interference with the display's visual output. The touch sensor may use capacitive sensing technology to detect touch events, such as finger or stylus interactions, and convert them into electrical signals for processing. The stacked configuration ensures a compact and seamless integration, reducing the overall thickness of the display device. This design is particularly useful in modern electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and touchscreen monitors, where space efficiency and responsive touch input are critical. The touch sensor's high transparency ensures that the display's visual quality remains unaffected, while its sensitivity allows for accurate touch detection. The invention addresses the need for slim, high-performance touchscreens that do not compromise display clarity or touch responsiveness.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
January 15, 2021
April 19, 2022
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.